Skip to content
A woman in a navy coat walking up the stone steps of a county courthouse with a folder under her arm

Contested divorce

From amicable, uncontested filings to complex high-asset litigation, we protect what you've built and plan for what comes next.

Contested Divorce Attorney in Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk County

Divorce is a deeply emotional journey as it can affect the entire family, especially children. The process becomes even more difficult when divorcing spouses are unable or unwilling to mutually resolve their differences, leading to what is known as a “contested divorce”. In these cases, the courts become involved in finalizing the divorce terms. During this critical time, having a seasoned divorce attorney in Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk County who is not only a good listener but also ready to fight aggressively on your behalf is essential. At The Law Offices of Seidner & Associates, PC, our team, including experienced divorce attorney Matthew S. Seidner, Esq., fight for the best outcome for our clients. Whether you are struggling with a prolonged divorce or find yourself in the middle of a contentious separation, we can help. To know your legal options in uncontested or contested divorce cases, call us at (516) 345-9900.

What is a Contested Divorce?

In many cases, when a marriage ends, it signals a breakdown in communication. This explains why most couples dispute over critical issues like property division, child custody, and child support during their divorce proceedings. These conflicts mark the distinction between contested and uncontested divorces. In an uncontested divorce in Nassau, Queens, or Suffolk County, both partners manage to find common ground outside of court. They agree on important aspects of their separation. The couple themselves shape the terms of their divorce, avoiding court-imposed decisions. On the other hand, a contested divorce in Nassau, Queens, or Suffolk County occurs when spouses cannot agree, and a judge needs to make the final call. The court finally determines how marital assets will be divided, who will have custody of the children, the specifics of visitation rights, the allotment of spousal support, and the amount of child support.

Reasons for Choosing a Contested Divorce

New York allows for no-fault divorces, so couples can end their marriage without citing specific reasons. Despite this, they often face challenges in reaching agreements on key matters of their separation. Litigation may become necessary in these situations, especially if one partner feels at a disadvantage or suspects the other of withholding important information. Here are some of the most common reasons why a contested divorce through court intervention may be your best answer:

  • Irreconcilable Differences: When couples cannot agree on key issues like finances, parenting, or lifestyle choices.
  • Asset and Property Disputes: Disagreements over the division of assets, property, and debts, especially in high-net-worth cases.
  • Child Custody and Support: Conflicts regarding who will have custody of the children, visitation rights, and the amount of child support.
  • Spousal Support Disagreements: Differences in opinion about the necessity, amount, and duration of divorce settlement or spousal maintenance.
  • Lack of Cooperation: When one spouse is uncooperative, non-communicative, or refuses to engage in mediation or negotiation.
  • Domestic Abuse or Violence: Situations involving allegations of abuse or violence, where safety and protection are paramount.
  • Hidden Assets: Cases where there is suspicion or evidence that one spouse is hiding assets to avoid fair distribution.
  • Personal Values or Beliefs: Fundamental disagreements based on personal, cultural, or religious beliefs that affect divorce terms.
  • Parental Fitness Concerns: Concerns about the other parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the children.
  • Legal Strategy: Choosing a contested divorce process as a strategy to ensure a more favorable outcome based on legal advice.

A case like this

Divorce 2013

Halfway through trial, the husband settled.

Our client was the family's breadwinner. Midway through trial, our witness offered very damaging evidence, and Mr. Seidner was proving the husband had wasted marital assets. He settled to avoid several more days of trial.

The outcome

Our client obtained custody, child support and the house, and the husband waived maintenance.

Read the case note

…always made himself available

Vasiliki K.Read the full review

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Questions people ask

All articles

How much will a divorce cost?

Each case is different and thus cost is extremely difficult to estimate. In general, the number and age of children involved, a couple’s financial and employment situation, the more assets a couple might have, and the length of the marriage can all have an impact on the cost of a divorce.

When couples are able to amicably decide potentially complicated issues like child custody, visitation, support for children and/or spouses, property division, etc., a case will demand less billable hours than one in which a judge is forced to decide the parties’ fate.

How much will divorce cost?

What is an uncontested divorce?

Couples may agree on matters like child custody and support, visitation and spousal maintenance. For these couples, uncontested divorce is the best route.

In New York, an uncontested divorce requires the filing of an “Uncontested Divorce Packet.” Our law firm can help you avoid costly delays or problems with filing by completing the necessary documents for you.

What is uncontested divorce?

Talk to us. The first consultation is free.

Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch the way you choose. We treat every inquiry with discretion.